The medical wing was wrapped in a heavy, fragile silence broken only by the soft beep of monitors and the occasional distant howl of a grieving wolf outside. Dawn had broken over the sanctuary, but its golden light felt mocking rather than hopeful. Sofia hadn’t moved from Julian’s bedside for hours. Her back ached, her side still burned from the silver graze, and exhaustion clawed at her bones, but she refused to leave him.
She held his hand like it was the only thing anchoring her to this world. His fingers were warm but still, the strong Alpha who had fought like a demon now lay pale and unmoving. Every shallow breath he took sent a fresh wave of relief and terror through her.
“You promised me forever,” she whispered, voice hoarse from crying. “You don’t get to break that promise now,
